Monday Message
April 25, 2022
UPCOMING EVENTS
ONLINE SILENT AUCTION closes this Friday
Our MEA Online Auction closes Friday, April 29th between 10:00pm and midnight. It is an eBay style auction of goods and services that have been donated by merchants and businesses to help us raise money for our school. Some items will be at the Talent Show and all items will be accepting bids.
Families, friends and the general public can shop online and get some great deals. Share the link, the more bidding the more funds generated to benefit all students at Mt. Everest Academy!
AUCTION TIPS
Bidding: To bid, you will need to register here, enter username and your email address. A registration link will be sent to your email address to complete the process and enter a
password.
Enter Auction Site: Enter the Auction Site once you have registered and are logged in to view all the items.
- Staggered Closing Times: Each item closes at a different time. Plus the time remaining for any item is always displayed.
- Higher Bid email notifications: Auction site automatically emails you when you have been outbid.
- Winner: The winner will receive an email with the happy news and a link to follow to provide payment information and complete the transaction.
- Issues: Contact us at Auction@MEAFoundation.org if you have any problems.
Our online auction is open to the public and all items purchased can be picked up the week of May 9th or we can mail them to you (unless noted). Register and start bidding!
Staff Appreciation Week 4/25 to 4/29
PIng-Pong Tournament
Wednesday, April 27 / 12:00
The ASB Spirit Committee is hosting a Ping-Pong Tournament this Wednesday (April 27), in the auditorium starting at 12:00 P.M! No registration required. Just come and play!
The Winner will receive a FREE Ice Cream Coupon and will be Starred on the next Monday Message!
Please do not be late since we have to organize the brackets.
SSC/SGT Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/89056497845
All parents are invited to attend the School Site Committee (SSC) meeting. The SSC is a shared decision-making body composed of parents, staff, and students. Our Council identifies needs for academic programs and sets budgets to support these programs. The meeting agenda will be posted on the SSC/SGT webpage. For questions, please contact Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net
Open Reading Event
Thursday, April 28 / 12:00-12:30 / Room 2
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to come to Dr. Rodenberg's room with a piece of their own writing or an excerpt from their favorite poem/novel to read for this open reading. This event is hosted by the MEA Literary Magazine group.
(To see the newly published first issue Literary Magazine, log in to "Heights" with a sandi.net account, and then click on the “Issues” tab.)
Spring Lunch Concert
Thursday, April 28
12:00pm
MEA Auditorium
Secondary students - come celebrate Spring and enjoy beautiful music played by Nicole Lee and Petunia Rizo!
Make a Mother's Day Gift
Thursday, April 28 / 12:30-1:15 / MakerSpace
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, come make a guided portrait for your mother that is sure to make her smile on Mother’s Day!
This workshop is limited to 6 students, PLEASE SIGN UP here: Sign-Up April 28
There will be lunch supervision for elementary students that are already on campus. For other students, please drop them off at the front office and they will be escorted to and from the MakerSpace.
Any students who want to help out, please let Miss Ellie know (esuko@sandi.net).
Academic League at MEA
Thursday, April 28 / 7:00pm / MEA Auditorium
The MEA Academic League will compete here at MEA with the Academy of Our Lady of Peace team. Answering a series of questions for all core subjects, the contestants try to outwit and out-maneuver their opponents in a set of matches to reach the finals. Come out and support our team!
Talent Show / Silent Auction
Day: Friday, April 29
Time: Doors open at 5:00, Show starts at 5:30
Location: MEA Auditorium
Snacks: $1 each (pizza, cookies, water)
For this event, tickets will be sold both online and at the door.
To purchase online use SchoolCash Online with a Visa/Visa Debit or Mastercard/Mastercard Debit. New users will need to register for an account. Online sales will close a day before the show.
Masks are not required but highly recommended.
High School Prom
Friday, May 13 / 6:00-10:00pm / Mission Bay Yacht Club
Tickets: $40 until 4/24, $45 from 4/25-5/8, and $50 from 5/9-5/12
Tickets are now available in our online school store for the upcoming High School Prom. No tickets will be sold at the door, so please use the SchoolCash Online system to purchase using Visa/Visa Debit and Mastercard/Mastercard Debit. New users will need to register for an account.
Permission Forms are required for all dance attendees:
- For MEA students, fill out the permission form online when purchasing tickets.
- Each MEA student can bring one guest. For non-MEA guests, download this guest permission form. Fill it out and have it signed by the guest’s school administrator. Then bring the form to the dance and turn it in at the door.
Daily Mindfulness and Meditation
These daily sessions will include about 10 minutes of mindfulness and meditation as well as other activities to foster health and wellness and connectedness in our community. All MEA Community members are welcome!
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/88599896023 Passcode: MEA!
- When: Monday through Friday (holidays and scheduled school concerts/events excluded!)
- Why: Optimum Health, Wellness, and Well-Being!
- Who: The whole MEA Community
- Time: 12-12:30 (You must login by 12:00)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Testing & Class Calendar for May 2022
Please be sure to look at the school calendar (or sync it to your personal calendar) to be sure that you do not miss anything. State testing (CAASPP) is extra important this year as we must meet a 95% participation rate or we will be penalized on our ratings. This includes the CA Dashboard site (and all other sites like Greatschools, Niche, etc. that pull their data from the Dashboard.) Student participation cannot be stressed enough!
During the week of May 2 - May 6 there will be no K-8 studygroups or K-8 extracurriculars as all students in grades 3-8 will be taking the CAASPP tests. (There will still be 9-12 studygroups this week.) AP exams will also be taking place May 2 - May 13.
The last day of studygroups will be May 26. From May 31 - June 3, 11th and 12th graders will take the CAASPP. High schoolers can earn community service hours for taking part in the exams.
Please note:
There are multiple days scheduled for testing as students can work at their own pace. Some students may finish in as few as 2-3 days and will not need to attend additional days.
There are no cell phones allowed during testing.
Students should bring a water bottle and a snack.
Students should bring headphones if they have them. If not, the school will provide.
The full testing calendar can be found here. Thank you!
C3 and Coop Group schedule changes
Please note these changes to Miss Shannon’s activities:
- Coop Group on Thursday, May 5 will be canceled due to CAASPP testing.
- The meeting for Chicken Coop Cooperative (C3) on Wednesday, May 18 has been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 25.
Yearbook Cover Winner
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Yearbook Cover Contest. We had more entries than ever and it was a very close race. Multiple voters left comments saying how impressed they were by your amazing work. Congratulations to Sophia K. for her winning design!
Order Your 2021-22 Yearbook
It’s time to order your yearbook! The deadline to purchase (and customize) a yearbook and have it shipped to the school for free is FRIDAY, APRIL 29.
Purchase and customize YOUR yearbook
School Passcode: 1013183679162246
Talent Show Crew Needed
The Talent Show needs crew! Rehearsals will be Wednesday the 27th at 2:30 pm and Thursday the 28th at 2 pm. We'd ask that you come to the show at 5 pm on Friday the 29th. For any questions, email Theo Martien (theo@themartiens.com) Sign up here.
Last push for shoe donations!
Bring your gently worn shoes to the front of the school, Monday through Friday between 8 and 4.
Ask friends and neighbors to donate as well!
Our initial goal was to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes during the month of April.
About Soles4Soles
When you donate a pair of shoes to Soles4Souls, it’s more than just cleaning out your closet – you’re helping the planet AND changing someone’s life.
For example, a donation of 200 pairs of shoes saves approximately 6,000 Pounds of carbon dioxide released when new shoes are manufactured, and keeps 250 lbs of textiles out of the landfill.
Your donated shoes are helping the environment!
Donated shoes are processed at a Soles4Souls facility, sent overseas to a partner with an international buyer who then resells them to a local micro-entrepreneur, who can resell them to earn a living! Your donated shoes are helping people create an income!
In countries like Haiti and Honduras, 200 pairs of shoes can provide food, shelter, and education for a family for 3 months.
Your donated shoes are helping people live!
Spread the word—we want your unwanted (gently worn) shoes!
“Senior Shelf” Legacy Project
Dear Senior Class of 2022,
What is your favorite novel, play, or book of poetry? Why do you love it? Would you like to share this beloved book and your thoughts about it with the greater, and future, MEA community? Please consider donating a copy of your favorite book to our MEA library.
Your selection will be included on the "Senior Shelf" as a legacy project that you can visit when you return to visit your alma mater (which we hope you will do- a lot!). You will also be able to add a few personal comments on a bookplate that will be placed on the inside cover.
Guidelines: Please make sure the book's content is school-appropriate (high school and below). We will support anyone who needs help acquiring or purchasing the book. Funds are limited, so it would be first come, first serve. Please feel free to contact me by email, and include the title and author of the book (and particular edition, if that is important). It is also perfectly fine for you to donate a gently used, pre-read copy that you already own and are willing to share with your fellow MEA Wolves!
We would like your books to be brought in no later than Friday, May 27. Please send your thoughts via email to nmullen@sandi.net, and I will print them out and put them in your book selection. You can drop off any time before May 27th in the library, the main office (there will be a box labeled "Senior Shelf"), or room 1. Please put your name on the book somewhere so that we know it's from you.
Last year's Senior Shelf is on the bookcase near the reading carpet and comfy chairs by the window. Check it out for some inspiration, and to see what the Class of 2021 donated and said about their books.
Thank you for considering participating in this project. We at MEA all hope you will leave a little, "literal" piece of yourself in the small but mighty MEA Library!
Congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone- the end of high school!
Nancy Mullen
Service Learning Hours
Miss Shannon is making two days and two different time slots available for anyone who would like to get credit for service learning hours, or just help out in the gardens.
They are:
Tuesday and Thursday
11-12
1:30-2:30
Feel free to drop by any of those times. Stay for as long as you’d like.
LUCKY NUMBER 13!
MEA students completed 13 hours of service learning time this past week, working in both the chicken garden and the front garden.
We moved compost into the raised beds, mulched the Hügelkultur bed, and weeded around the fence line and raised beds in the front garden area.
The students are phenomenal workers, and it really ends up being a fantastic social time.
Come join us!
Summer AP Courses
High school students have the opportunity to take AP courses through UC Scout during summer 2022. AP Courses offered through UC Scout this summer are independent study, asynchronous courses.
The courses begin June 21 and conclude August 18. Students work at their own pace but must complete the course before or on the end date of August 18.
Applicable credits will be recorded on students' high school transcripts. AP exam testing will not be offered this summer; however, students wishing to take the AP exam may register to do so during the 2022-23 school year.
UC Scout Teachers facilitate the courses, grade the courses, and provide weekly virtual office hours. There are a limited number of AP seats available in each of the following courses:
- AP Human Geography-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Statistics-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Art History-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Computer Science Principles-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Macroeconomics-Single Semester
If you are interested in earning first-time credit in one of the above AP courses, please fill out this form by Friday, April 29, 2022. Once you express interest, you will receive an email correspondence beginning of May with all information pertaining to how to register through UC Scout.
Class schedule for 2022-2023
For your planning purposes, the class schedule for 2022-2023 is ready! We have done our best to consolidate 9-12th grade classes so that students enrolled in a standard grade level program have classes over 1-2 days as opposed to 3 days. Please check it out here. Please note, this schedule is subject to change until the first day of school, but we always try to limit changes once it has been published.
Vaccines
Implementation of the student vaccine mandate will begin in August 2022 for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The vaccine mandate will apply to students who are 16 or older by August 29, 2022, or for those enrolling after that date who are 16 or older on the date of enrollment. Younger students will be required to be vaccinated when full FDA approval is granted for their age group.
Vaccine Clinics within SDUSD are ongoing- with the focus on high schools at this time. Vaccine events hosted by our high schools are open to all. Here is a website with more SDUSD vaccine information.
Calling all artists and crafters!
The wood slice seed mandalas did not weather well, and they have all been removed.
If any students have a burning desire to create new “art” for the painted pallets by the chicken coop, please see Miss Shannon for a brainstorming session. We might be able to utilize items from the Makerspace.
Wood + seeds + hot glue + several rainstorms = not quite the right fit for the space!
AmazonSmile
MEA Foundation is fully registered with AmazonSmile as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon.com will donate to MEA Foundation at no cost to you,
If you haven't already, log on to smile.amazon.com and designate Mount Everest Academy Foundation as your charity of choice.
- Don't forget to bookmark smile.amazon.com for all of your Amazon purchases.
- Amazon will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases made via smile.amazon.com to the Foundation.
Senior Requirements Checklist
Upcoming graduation requirements:
- Friday, 4/22 - Turn in Community Service Form (optional) for volunteer hours
- Friday, 4/29 - Complete MEA Senior Survey
- Thursday, 6/2 - Final schoolwork and work samples due. Textbooks returned. Acknowledge completion of all in Google Classroom.
GOOD STUFF
Rubik's Cube Speedsolving
Shawn Zhuang, senior, let us know the latest about his cubing activities. While at MEA, Shawn has led several Rubik’s Cube clubs, sharing his techniques and inspiring other students.
I've been involved in Rubik's Cube Speedsolving for 7 years. Competitively, I've ranked top 90 in the world in 2x2 and 3x3 One-Handed, and I'm an 8-time medalist in World Cube Association (WCA) competitions. Last week, I even beat Feliks Zemdegs, the biggest name in cubing, in a round of 3x3. I've organized 3 competitions with the WCA, and I've also worked with their software team on their website and Rubik's Cube scrambling program.
Here's a video of the average where I beat Feliks Zemdegs: https://youtu.be/2YkiWjCLXCg
EXTRACURRICULARS
* * * Click box above for Elementary Extracurricular Schedule * * *
Daily Mindfulness & Meditation
Elementary Art
Music with Mr. Johnson
PALS
Chess for Elementary Students
Every Thursday / 12:00-12:45 / Parent Room
The focus of this group is on elementary students, but older students are also welcome. Mr. Martin and MEA student, Sebastian, will be leading these sessions. Here are a couple of free websites for learning chess: (Lichess.org and Chesskid.com). Practice, practice, practice!
Sign your elementary child in at the front office at 11:55 (unless they are in 2nd or 4th grade and already on campus). Students will be walked back to the front gate for parents to pick up at 12:45.
“C3” for grades K-5
Wednesday, MAY 4 / 12:30-1:30
Miss Shannon is offering the Chicken Coop Cooperative (C3) on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 12:30 until 1:30.
This hour is designed for the K through 5 students to spend some time getting to know the chickens, and hanging out with other students. We will occasionally harvest greens growing from the gardens to offer them as well. We will be mindful of washing hands after interacting with the chickens: food for kids first (if eating on campus), then food for chickens.
Please sign in at the front office and the students can be sent directly to the chicken coop. Students will be walked back to the front office at 1:30.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Wednesdays!
- May 4
- May 25 (rescheduled from May 18)
C3 fun moments!
Highlights included:
- Fresh cucumber and corn treats for the chickens
- Planting wheat grass trays
- Choosing and planting sunflowers seeds
- Having a senior (Anna) help out!
PALS Tutoring
Wednesdays & Thursdays / 12:30-1:45 / Room 6
Trained tutors are ready to help you get your classwork done. All students grades K-12 who would like some extra help can come to room 6 every Wednesday and Thursday during 4th period (12:30-1:45pm). All grades are welcome, as we have tutors for all grade levels. PALS is a great way to build community and academic skills!
Parents, K-5 students attending PALS must arrive with a check-in form so tutors know what to work on with your child and you receive a report on how things went. (Extra forms will be available when you drop off in case you forget or can't print one at home.)
- K-5 students attending studygroup and PALS on the same day should be signed in when parents drop off at 9am. Parents must indicate if their student is staying for supervised lunch and PALS
- K-5 students attending ONLY PALS on any given day should be signed in outside the front office.
- 6-12 students can report directly to Room 6.
Music classes with Mr. Johnson
These classes are held every Tuesday. Please sign your child in at the front office and note which class(es) they will be attending.
- 8:05- 8:55 - Beginning Band
- 9:05- 9:55 - Choir
- 10:05- 10:55 - Advanced Band
- 11:05 - 11:55 - Music theory (for upper grades)
- 12:30- 1:20 - Advanced Strings (open to secondary)
- 1:35- 2:25 - Beginning Strings
* * * Click box above for Secondary Extracurricular Schedule * * *
Academic League • Ally Action • Anime • Chess • Coop Group • Daily Mindfulness & Meditation • Gaming • German • GSA • Literary Magazine • MathCounts • Mental Health • Music with Mr. Johnson • PALS • Rubik's Cube • Sherpa’s Jam Band • Spanish Conversation • Sports Club • Young Investors Club
Clothing Swap
Thank you to everyone who donated clothes for last week’s clothing swap! Students had fun “shopping” and many went home with “new” outfits. Ally Action will donate any clothing that wasn’t taken to the Monarch School.
"Heights" is now published!
After months of preparation and creative initiative, the MEA Literary Magazine has finally published its first issue of Heights!
Please log in to "Heights" with a sandi.net account, and then click on the “Issues” tab. Enjoy this thoughtful compilation of student work!
MEA GARDENS & CHICKENS
Impromptu harvest stand on Tuesday!
Lots of great veggies and flowers coming from the MEA gardens!
HELPFUL INFORMATION
School Spirit Store
Parents are now able to use SchoolCash Online to buy and pay for items using Visa/Visa Debit and Mastercard/Mastercard Debit. We are currently selling school spirit wear and other fundraising items like lanyards, water bottles and DVDs. Simply order online and then come pick up your purchase in the MEA front office.
Please create an account to access our online catalog.
Meet with School Counselor
For students and parents that would like to meet with Mr. Rubin, our school counselor, please sign up for an appointment.
community announcements
“Heart of a Child” Benefit Concert
Saturday, April 30 / 7:30pm
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
MEA 12th grader, Malvyn Lai, will be performing in the “Heart of a Child” Benefit Concert on April 30th to support children struggling with life-threatening medical conditions at Rady Children’s Hospital. This annual event has become a premier showcase of young musical talent in San Diego.
ArtReach Charity Art Auction
ArtReach, a San Diego non-profit supporting arts education for youth primarily in schools that don't have the funding or preexisting arts programs, is holding their yearly charity art auction, this time artists were given records to use creatively.
Here’s a video of some of the record art pieces.
- ArtReach is the company responsible for our lovely welcome mural!
- Chloe Moya (MEA 11th grader) who works with ArtReach's mural team created two records for the auction and Nicole Lee (MEA 11th grader) created one as well.
The Auction opens on April 15th with all auction proceeds benefiting ArtReach. You can register to bid & begin bidding at this link. The works will also be on display at the Mission fed Artwalk April 30th-May 1st. Take a look at some of our student's work and consider supporting ArtReach in its goal to bring arts education to all children within the San Diego community!
SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass - Pronto Cards
SANDAG has teamed up with MTS, NCTD, and the County of San Diego to connect youth to school, jobs, entertainment, and more! Starting May 1, anyone 18-years-old and younger can ride transit for FREE in San Diego County through the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. Youth can get unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER through June 2023 with a Youth PRONTO account. https://youthopportunitypass.sandag.org/
Problem-Solve Like an Expert
June 20 - July 15 / UCSD Envision MakerSpace
This summer program for high school students is offered through the Jacobs School of Engineering and UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. It is open for all students interested in different technical career paths--including but not limited to those planning to pursue trade school, community college, or a four- year university.
Students will learn to apply advanced problem-solving techniques to hands-on projects and real-world case studies, as well as expand critical thinking skills and engage in challenging problem-solving exercises. No prior experience required!